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Erza regains consciousness in a makeshift medical outpost and is greeted by her comrades, who inform her that they have almost completely routed the Empire's forces, with Jellal and Meredy finishing them off. Gray proposes that they return to the guild, while Juvia expresses her concern for their friends. With that said, Kagura, who feels guilty for resuscitating Jellal, kisses Erza on the lips, shocking everyone present. Outside, Sherria sits alone, regretting the loss of her Magic, but she is soon approached by Lyon, who comforts her by thanking her for securing everybody's future. Meanwhile, restricted by handcuffs made from Magic Sealing Stones in a cell, Dimaria sobs as she realizes that she is in the same predicament for which she had previously derided Brandish.

In Fairy Tail's Guild hall, Brandish clarifies that she is not an ally of Fairy Tail, but is willing to help them to repay the debt she owes Lucy by negotiating with August in an attempt to get him to withdraw peacefully. Mest advises caution against their enemy's proposal, but the matter is clinched when Lucy expresses her faith in Brandish. Natsu, however, proves he has not been listening to the entire conversation by declaring that he will go defeat August himself, earning him a slap to the head from Lucy.

Bloodman and Larcade prepare to move out

Irene and the leaders of the northern unit of the Empire's army gather atop Zonia, where she entertains them with folklore of Ishgar. Meanwhile, Gajeel's group fights against the foot soldiers of her army to rescue their comrades from Sabertooth and Blue Pegasus. Suddenly, even as Sting informs Gajeel of the monstrous power of the Shields of Spriggan, Irene dispels the snowstorm and the blanket of snow covering the ground in favor of fresh blossoms as far as as the eye can see. However, Gajeel confidently swears that his team will avenge the humiliation that his friends have suffered. Rogue warns them that their enemies have three monsters on their side, causing Gajeel to laugh and say that they have six on theirs.